Mayor Chris Coleman's statement regarding the Council vote to change parking regulations for bars and restaurants

Today, Mayor Chris Coleman released this statement in response to the Saint Paul City Council vote to change restaurant and bar parking restrictions in the City of Saint Paul:

“The passage of this ordinance is an important step that will continue to liven and enhance the vitality of our city while maintaining our high quality of life. It's about creating great places and spaces for our residents and I applaud Councilmember Stark for his leadership on this issue.”

The vote today set a definition for restaurants and bars, and set parking requirements for each. Restaurants, defined as establishments that close by midnight and which may or may not provide alcohol, are now required to provide one parking space per every 400 square feet of the restaurant. Bars, defined as establishments that are open after midnight and which serve alcohol, are required to provide one parking space per every 150 square feet of the restaurant.